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      Former Premier League ref Phil Dowd, 61, reveals cruel Parkinson’s diagnosis as he admits ‘it hit me hard’

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      FORMER Premier League referee Phil Dowd has opened up about his devastating Parkinson’s diagnosis.The 61-year-old experienced an incredible career from 1997 to 2016 with 15 years spent officiating in the top flight of English football.Former Premier League referee Phil Dowd has revealed he has Parkinson’s DiseaseCredit: AFP – GettyDowd took charge of some key fixturesCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe took charge of key matches such as FA Cup and League Cup finals, coming face-to-face with some of the biggest names in football including the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.However, in an interview with the Mirror he revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease during the Coronavirus pandemic.Dowd said: “Football gets me up in the morning now. That’s what gets me going and it’s important to have that.”It started when my wife saw my left arm shaking and I got checked. I got diagnosed during Covid times and the specialist said to me: ‘You’ve got Parkinson’s.’ It hit me hard and I just thought: ’s***’.Read More on Football”I didn’t want to admit that I had it in the first two years after I was diagnosed.”At that stage, you don’t realise all the symptoms because you think you just shake a bit. But there’s so many other symptoms.”You want to hide it but football has been brilliant to me. Howard Webb has been so supportive as has Wayne Allison at the PGMOL.”Dowd is now part of the PGMOL development group, coaching six officials including Aji Ajibola, Kirsty Dowle, Tom Parsons, Declan Brown, Abi Byrne and current top-flight referee Sunny Singh Gill.Most read in FootballHe is also keen to promote the work done by Parkinson’s UK, a charity that provides support to those affected by the disease.The former referee continued: “I want to put something back into society and we’ve got some golf days, there’s a walking football tournament. I want to help highlight it in the next couple of years.”I also want to show you can lead a good life and it’s not as bad as people think. I’m still doing stuff and I’m still grateful the PGMOL want me to work in my role and that has really helped me.”It’s important to be positive and stay active. There’s no cure. It affects people differently. I can probably jog better than I can walk.” More

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      Marcus Rashford ‘has been playing with injury for a month’ as Man Utd fans blast ‘ridiculous decision’

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      IT has been revealed that Marcus Rashford has been playing through injury for over a month.The winger has been carrying a “slight knock” since February’s FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, according to The Times.Marcus Rashford has been playing with a knock for over a monthCredit: ReutersHe completed the full 90 minutes in that game, and has since played against Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool.He also appeared off the bench for England in their 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday, playing for 15 minutes.The forward has not withdrawn from the England squad despite the knock as he looks to secure a place for Euro 2024.Manchester United fans on X were not happy with the news.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne said: “Do we actually have a medical team at all?”Another posted: “Why did he go to England camp then he should be resting at home and recovering.”A third said: “Then he should be rested.”A fourth wrote: “He should be rested tonight then. No point risking him.”Most read in FootballHe came on as a substitute against BrazilCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland take on Belgium at 7:45pm tonight and Rashford is in line to play.Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Sam Johnstone have all withdrawn from the England squad since the Brazil game due to injury.Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discuss the possibility of Manchester United going for Gareth Southgate as their new boss Bukayo Saka also withdrew from the squad prior to England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil. More

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      Former Arsenal star worth £180million thanks to kebab and ice cream empire set to launch clothing range with former club

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      LUKAS PODOLSKI is worth £180million and is set to launch a clothing brand with his former club FC Koln.The ex-Arsenal forward’s portfolio also includes a chain of kebab shops and an ice cream brand in his native Germany.Lukas Podolski is set to launch a clothing brand with his former club FC KolnCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ex-Arsenal forward’s also owns kebab shops and an ice cream brandCredit: SplashPodolski previously spent three years with the Gunners, winning the FA Cup in 2014.The 38-year-old launched Ice Cream United in 2017, two years after leaving Arsenal.A year later, his first Mangal Doner kebab shop opened in the city and now consists of around 30 branches across Germany.The business mogul has even been active in the fashion industry and has his own streetwear brand “Strabenkicker”.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd now Podolski has reunited with his boyhood club Koln to launch their own clothing line.According to German outlet BILD the idea has already been discussed with sponsors with plans to create streetwear designs inspired by Poldolski existing brand.Poldolski not only knows his stuff about fashion but being a club legend will attract top sales in the Koln store – like with his jersey in the past.He said: “We exchanged ideas, I think that was very nice. If things continue like this, I can well imagine helping FC in a position closer to the club than before.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 2014 World Cup winner spent six years at Koln over two spells the first from 2003-2006 then 2009-2012.During this time made 181 appearances and scored 86 goals while winning the FIFIA World Cup Best Young Player award in 2006 when representing Germany.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere The Cologne based club are also reported to in talks with their former forward about as a club ambassador.Meaning the German could be juggling two major roles while still playing at Polish giants Gornik Zabrze’s as his contract runs until 2025.And he will not be short of cash as his entrepreneurship has seen his net worth raise to a reported £177.5million.That figure includes his career earnings as a player, with Podolski one of Arsenal’s highest paid players during his time at the club.According to Capology, the ex-Germany international had £100,000-per-week wages at the Emirates Stadium.Podolski is not the richest ex-Arsenal star as Mathieu Flamini is worth £10billion
      To many fans suprise being worth £180million does not make you the richest ex-Gunner.
      Methieu Flamini billion pound chemical company, ‘GF Biochemicals’ has turned the former midfielder into one the richest people in the world, as he is now reportedly worth £10billion.
      In an attempt to revolutionise the energy industry back in 2008 shortly after his exit from Arsenal Flamini co-founded the company with his economics graduate business partner, Pasquale Granata.
      Nearly 16 years after it was set up, the company is estimated to be worth £21 billion.
      This is 40 times more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s £500 million net worth.
      The company has succeeded in a major way thanks to its ability to mass-produce levulinic acid – a fuel made from plant waste that can be used in the creation of plastics. More

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      Seven Man Utd stars fighting for their future with a handful of games left this season including Antony and Mason Mount

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S Manchester United side took a massive step in the right direction with last week’s 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over rivals Liverpool.It comes at a time when Erik ten Hag has pleaded for patience from fans and pundits alike with Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League.There’s likely to be a high turnover of players at United this seasonCredit: RexAs Sir Jim Ratcliffe gets his feet under the table at Old TraffordCredit: PAUnited started the game with an intensity rarely seen this season and Ten Hag said he hopes the result “could be that moment” that the club’s fortunes turn around.One notable thing about the performance was how previously criticised or so far unused stars stepped up to keep United in the cup – with goals from Antony and Amad.But no one’s future is guaranteed following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in Manchester United, and he will no doubt be keen to stamp his mark on the team.Here’s seven stars that could leave as he plots a huge overhaul at Old Trafford…READ MORE ON MAN UTDAntonyTo say the winger has struggled to justify his £85million price-tag since arriving from Ajax in 2022 is an understatement.He is the second most expensive Manchester United signing of all time, and flattered to deceive in his first season.But his campaign up until now has been a disaster, with the winger not registering a goal or an assist in 22 Premier League appearances.His crucial equaliser against Liverpool yesterday could prove to be an iconic moment – but he has much more to do if he’s to stay around next season.Most read in FootballAntony has struggled to justify his price tagCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAmadAnother hero from the brilliant 4-3 victory over Liverpool, he has rarely featured this season due to a mix of injuries and Ten Hag’s unwillingness to take a risk on him.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Scoring the winner to take your side to the FA Cup semi-final is the perfect way to fight for your place – but the second yellow he received for taking off his shirt off means he’ll be out the team again after the international break.The winger wanted to leave on loan in January to gain more first-team minutes and United may look to cash in if Ten Hag continues not to play the Ivorian.Amad’s red could stifle his momentumCredit: EPAHarry MaguireMaguire has done brilliantly this season after being humiliated over the summer.He was stripped of the captaincy, and dropped to fifth choice centre-back, but has fought his way back into the team with a combination of grit and grace.How much damage last summer has done in terms of his relations with the club remains to be seen, and he only has a year remaining on his contract come the summer.United have the option to extend by another year but his £190,000-a-week wages could see them sell, with West Ham being interested.Maguire’s wages could be an issueCredit: RexMason MountWith Mount being brought in under the previous ownership structure for £60million, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS may take a look at whether that investment has been worth it.The midfielder has struggled with injury this season, playing just eight times in the Premier League – but he did return in the FA Cup last week.The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo as a viable midfield option will only add to the competition for a place for Mount – but in all likelihood he’ll at least be given another season.Mount is likely to stayCredit: AlamyRaphael VaraneVarane has been a brilliant servant for the club when fit since he was brought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.But injuries appear to have caught up with him this season and he has been a notably slower presence on the pitch.Ten Hag also dropped him to fifth choice centre-back at one point due to preferring Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire among others.His contract is up in the summer and it is unlikely United will take up the extension until 2025 due to the Frenchman earning £300k-a-week.Scott McTominayMcTominay is United’s second top scorer this season with nine goals in all competitions.But paradoxically, that is a problem for United.His fondness for attacking comes at the expense of United having control in the midfield – while he can play deeper and tackle, his passing lacks the consistency to allow United to control games.He’s had a good season and will no doubt attract interest, plus, the fact he came through the academy means a sale will be listed as pure profit on United’s books.McTominay’s academy status could cost himCredit: The TimesAaron Wan-BissakaUnited opted to renew Wan-Bissaka’s contract in January after an impressive run of form.But, as always, he has struggled for fitness at United this season.He’s featured in 12 Premier League games and generally been impressive in those.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut with Diogo Dalot deputising well in his absence, United may look to someone more reliable in the summer.With the buffer of January’s contract extension, he should fetch some decent value too. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switch

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is set for the race of his life if he is to attend Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final next month.The Red Devils booked their place in the final four by dramatically beating Liverpool 4-3 at Old Trafford last weekend.Sir Jim Ratcliffe helped to fund record-breaking distance runner Eliud KipchogeCredit: AFPMan Utd will be back at Wembley on Sunday, April 21Credit: AlamyStanding between Erik ten Hag’s side and the final will be Championship Coventry City.The FA have confirmed that the match is set to go ahead on Sunday, April 21 with a 3:30pm kick-off.FA chiefs initially pushed for the game to kick-off at 4pm, but the start time was moved earlier after it was deemed to be a “high-risk” fixture by police.The date of United’s match presents a conundrum for partial owner – as he’s already made plans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe, 71, is set to run the London Marathon that day.Usually getting underway at around 10:30am, the veteran billionaire would have to smash last year’s 4:30 time in order to make it to Wembley in time.The Marathon starts in Greenwich, East London.It then snakes around the capital before reaching the finishing line in Westminster.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFrom there he’d be looking at an hour’s journey at the very least, by car or public transport, to reach Wembley for the match.Ratcliffe’s Ineos funded Eluid Kipchoge’s amazing 1:59 time at the Vienna Marathon in 2019.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refitAnd Britain’s richest man recently discussed his love of distance running while appearing on Geraint Thomas’ podcast.Asked how many marathons he’s run in his life, Ratcliffe said: “It’s somewhere approaching 40. My project certainly doesn’t have a one in it!”I did London last year. I did four and a half. I’m doing London again this year. It’s only six weeks away.”I trained for London last year and I had a hamstring issue. I was out for five weeks and I didn’t have much time to retrain. I went to Africa, it was quite warm and I had a go. It was okay.”Exactly the same thing has happened this year. I’ve had five weeks out with a hamstring so I only started training a week ago for London. It’s not very long. I need to get going.”Ratcliffe, who owns 27.7 per cent of his boyhood club, is a keen adventurer at heart.He has completed the gruelling Marathon Des Sables across the Sahara Desert.While he has also trekked BOTH the North and South poles.Ratcliffe even completed an Ironman triathlon, which consists of a 2.4 miles swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run, aged 64.While the Ineos chief aims to complete his latest physical challenge, Ten Hag will be aiming to mastermind a victory over second-tier Coventry to reach his second consecutive FA Cup final.United skipper Bruno Fernandes has an unusual reason for already having the inside track on Mark Robins’ side.The Portuguese, 29, told MUTV: “It is a tough game. I see some some of their games because my chef at home is a Sunderland fan.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I get to see some Championship games sometimes with him at home.”They have good players on the ball. They are really difficult to play against physically. We saw it against Wolves.”Bruno Fernandes already has the lowdown on Man Utd’s semi-final opponentsCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd vs Coventry and Man City vs Chelsea FA Cup semi-final kick-off times moved after police request

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      THE FA Cup semi-final kick-off times have been revealed following a Metropolitan Police intervention.Manchester United’s clash with Coventry has been brought forward to 3.30pm on Sunday, April 21.The FA Cup semi-final kick-off times have been revealedCredit: AlamyMan Utd vs Coventry is deemed a ‘high-risk’ fixtureCredit: EPAThat’s because the Metropolitan Police deemed it to be a high-risk fixture.The FA initially requested a 4pm kick-off, but it was brought forward by 30 minutes after the police expressed public order concerns. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s match against Chelsea will start at 5.15pm on Saturday, April 20.According to the Daily Mail, the decision is expected to be confirmed at a local Safety Advisory Group meeting later on Friday.Read More on FootballHistorically, governing bodies and broadcasters have been left frustrated by disagreements over kick-off times between the Met and The FA.Later kick-off times tend to attract bigger audiences and, for the likes of ITV and Sky Sports, more advertising revenue.It has therefore become the norm in recent years to schedule important games, such as FA Cup semi-finals, for the evening.Many games involving Man Utd tend to be considered as “high-risk”, which is beginning to frustrate the EFL and FA, sources claim.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast month’s Carabao Cup final had to be brought forward to 3pm due to safety concerns.The same thing happened ahead of last season’s FA Cup final between Man Utd and Man City.Watch wholesome moment Bruno Fernandes gets emotional in live TV interview after praising Man Utd team-matesAnd it is believed it could also happen again when the final takes place on May 25.The scheduling means Man City play at Wembley three days after their Champions League quarter-final second leg meeting with Real Madrid. More

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      ‘Phil would be dead now’ – Roy Keane jokes Man Utd legend stopped him killing Gary Neville’s brother

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      ROY KEANE joked Phil Neville “would be dead now” if his mistake had cost Manchester United the Treble. The pair were both at fault during the famous 1999 FA Cup semi-final win over Arsenal.Roy Keane joked Phil Neville got lucky to escape his wrath in the 1999 FA Cup semi-finalCredit: YouTube/The OverlapPhil Neville dived in on Ray Parlour to give Arsenal a late penaltyCredit: YouTube/The Emirates FA CupBut Keane could not resist a cheeky dig at his former team-mate – and credited Peter Schmeichel for saving Neville.Discussing the best rivalries in football on Stick To Football, Keane, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Jill Scott got on to the peak years of Manchester United vs Arsenal – managed by Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.And then more specifically on to the epic FA Cup replay clash at Villa Park in April 1999.United won the game 2-1 after extra-time thanks to Ryan Giggs’ memorable solo goal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDavid Beckham had fired the Red Devils in front from range early on before Dennis Bergkamp equalised in the second half. Nicolas Anelka’s goal was ruled out for offside before Keane headed for an early bath after two yellow cards – diving in on Bergkamp and then Marc Overmars.Then Phil slipped and tripped Ray Parlour in the box to give Arsenal the perfect chance to win it in the closing minutes. Schmeichel produced the goods, though, diving the right way to save the penalty and send the replay into extra-time, where Giggs fired United through in style.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut it could all have been very different if the Great Dane went the other way. Discussing the drama in the Stick to Football studio by Sky Bet, Keane said: “That semi-final was mad.’You’re insulting me’ – Roy Keane fumes at Gary Neville leaving former Man Utd team-mate stunned during disagreement”I was sent off, I think I was covering for you [Gary] in the right-back area. Where were you?”I was covering for you, I didn’t start there. I don’t mind you going forward but you’ve got to get back.”Gary said: “I don’t see how that game can ever be beaten for incident, goals, sendings off, last-minute missed penalties.”Roy you were so comfortable in the right-back area, what was the problem?”He came over rashly and slid in on Overmars having already been booked by the way. “I’ve never thought of it from your point of view but you think about the Treble that season and I always think about my brother giving away the penalty in the last minute. “Then obviously Bergkamp misses against Schmeichel. “To this day, I still shiver a little bit for my brother thinking if that penalty had gone in. ‘HE’S GOT PREVIOUS'”But then I think of you, if you lose that game where you’ve been sent off, you carry that a lot when you’ve been sent off, it’s horrible.”But deadpan Keane snapped back immediately: “We would have killed Phil. Phil would be dead now. He would.”He’s got previous as well, Phil, lunging in.”That was a reference to Neville giving away a late penalty as England were dumped out of Euro 2000 following a 3-2 defeat to Romania. The Irishman’s quip prompted the Stick To Football group to burst into laughter.Scott threw her support behind the younger Neville brother before Keane did clarify: “I like Phil.”Phil made 386 appearances for his boyhood club then finished his career with eight seasons at Everton.United went on to beat Newcastle in the FA Cup final, either side of clinching the Premier League title and the Champions League, beating Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp. READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere on the latest episode of the football podcast, Keane and Neville argued over whether right-back is the “easiest” position to play in before discussing their transfer values in today’s market.Wright, meanwhile, revealed he holds a small black object in his hand while on air as a stress mechanism to help relax himself and keep him calm when the cameras are rolling.Peter Schmeichel was the hero between the sticks at Villa ParkCredit: GettyGary Neville says he ‘still shivers’ for his brotherCredit: YouTube The Overlap More

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      ‘Bottled it’ – Fans troll ‘sore loser’ Carragher as he leaves UK instead of appearing on podcast after Liverpool loss

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      FOOTBALL fans have taken aim at Jamie Carragher for seemingly ducking his duties following Liverpool’s FA Cup exit to Manchester United.The Reds were knocked out of the competition by their bitter rivals in a dramatic 4-3 defeat last weekend.Fans have teased Jamie Carragher for avoiding the Stick to Football podcast this weekCredit: AlamyThe podcast will go ahead without the Liverpool legend this weekCredit: X @WeAretheOverlapCarragher’s absence comes after Manchester United’s dramatic late FA Cup win over LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe thrilling game saw Amad Diallo net an extra-time winner to send the Red Devils to Wembley while Liverpool saw their chances of a domestic cup double come to an end.Carragher, who spent his entire 17-year career playing for Liverpool, is known to be a huge fan of the Merseyside outfit and is often vocal in his support and defence of the club.But fans were surprised to learn that following the loss he was not appearing on the Stick to Football podcast as he usually does every week.Carragher was expected to be alongside former Man Utd stars Roy Keane and Gary Neville with fans hoping to see some lighthearted teasing from the United duo following the FA Cup game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever the official Overlap account revealed this week’s podcast will go ahead without Carragher and feature Keane, Neville, Ian Wright and Jill Scott instead.Fans were quick to troll Carragher online after learning of the news and joked that he had avoided the podcast out of fear of being on the receiving end of jokes from his colleagues.One wrote: “Carragher is such a sore loser! Especially compared to what he does to others when his team wins.”While another added: “Carragher bottled it?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third posted: “Carragher still hurting from United beating Liverpool on Sunday is he?”And a fourth commented: “No Jamie Carragher? One of those who loves giving it but can’t take it back, isn’t he?”‘Why would you even say that’ says Kate Abdo after Jamie Carragher’s most awkward joke ever on live TVDespite the jokes it appears that Carragher has taken a holiday during the international break with the 46-year-old sharing a snap of himself skiing with his wife Nicola.The former England centre-back shared a photo of him and his wife in the French Alps on Wednesday.It’s not the fist time Carragher has been accused of being a sore loser this season after he hit out at Arsenal captain Martin Odergaard for his celebrations following the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Liverpool.Carragher posted a picture showing him skiing with his wife instead of chatting on the podcastCredit: Instagram / @23_carra More